Quick Facts on Brett

Characteristics of Brett

Cooperative

Considerate

Compassionate

Nurturing

Sensitive

Patient

Loving

Kind

Gracious

Balanced

Etymology & Historical Origin - Brett

Brett is a name of French origin, referring to the Bretons, a Celtic tribe who were displaced from the southwestern region of England in the 6th century and driven to the northwestern area of France (known as Brittany) by invading Anglo-Saxons. The name developed into an English surname to signify a native of Brittany, France which remains a French province and one of the six Celtic nations (Ireland, Scotland, Isle of Man, Wales, Cornwall and Brittany). Many of the Bretons were followers of William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy and later (after conquering the English), the first Norman king of England. They returned to their original homeland and re-settled in East Anglia (where the surname Brett is still widespread). The first recoded spelling of the name was “Brit” written in the Domesday Book of 1086.

Popularity of the Name Brett

Brett is a seemingly cool, hip and modern name, first appearing on the American male naming charts relatively recently in 1946. But what’s interesting about this name is its historic significance to those interested in or proud of Celtic heritage (specifically the Brythons as opposed to the Gaelic people). The Gaelic folks are generally found in Ireland, Isle of Man and the highlands of Scotland. The Brythons are from Cornwall, Wales and Brittany. The Gaelic sects far outnumber the Brythons, so it’s even more remarkable that they’ve managed to maintain their Celtic culture, languages and traditions to this day. They have held up their ethnic identity since the Iron Age, despite invasions and/or occupancies by the Romans, the Vikings, the Anglo-Saxons and finally the Normans. Most indigenous British people would just accept new cultures and traditions forced upon them and ultimately assimilate, but the Bretons have persevered and triumphed, refusing to let go of their own common identity. It’s for this reason we find Brett a very interesting and significant choice in a name for those parents who are fans of Celtic history. Brett is a name that has been most popular in the 1970s and 80s; today he is barely used in moderation. It’s a strong one-syllable name – straight forward and confident. It’s like selecting Scott (Scottish), Dane (Danish), Finn (Finnish), Frank (French) or Erin (Irish) as your child’s given name. We just think that’s pretty cool way of demonstrating ethnic pride.

Popularity of the Boy Name Brett

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Cultural References to the Baby Name - Brett

Literary Characters of the Baby Name Brett

Lady Brett Ashley (The Sun Also Rises) (Lady) Brett Ashley is really the only female character of Ernest Hemingway’s 1926 novel, The Sun also Rises, about a group of Americans and British in France and Spain post World War I. Brett is beautiful, willful, independent and thoroughly modern. But of course – she is not happy. Having lost her true love during the war, she is unable to commit to any one man. This includes the American expatriate, Jake Barnes, whom she sincerely loves, but with whom she is unable to have a physically complete relationship. Brett is a fascinating study of a new woman emerging after a cataclysmic war and before a devastating Depression – a world in which many felt rudderless, left drifting on a landscape that had forever changed, trying to carve a new order out of lost myths. Lady Brett Ashley is none too successful at it; the novel’s end finds her alone and penniless and nostalgic for what might have been but never was.

Popular Songs on Brett

Brett - We cannot find any popular or well-known songs featuring the name Brett.

Children's Books on the Baby Name Brett

Brett Favre: The All-Time Leader (Laura Marchesani) - Since Brett Favre’s first game for the Green Bay Packers in 1992, this all-star quarterback has led his team to two Super Bowl competitions. Determination, hard work, and talent helped Favre rise to the top. Favre’s semi-recent retirement announcement makes this perfectly timed reader a definitive career biography! Recommended for ages 8-12.

Brett - Boy Baby Name - Historic Figures

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Personality of the Boy Name Brett

The Number 2 personality in numerology is all about cooperation and balance. It's the number of diplomats and mediators. They are not leaders, but strive rather for harmony in partnerships. These are the peacemakers. Equality and fairness are important in their dealings, and they are willing to share power and responsibility to achieve a harmonious outcome. This personality is calm and patient, waiting for things to evolve instead of pushing aggressively for an outcome. They are good-natured and easy-going, and care deeply on an emotional and spiritual plane. Twos appreciate beauty and nature and are intent on making the world a better place.